East Lancashire firefighters set to strike again

FIREFIGHTERS across East Lancashire are set to stage a 24-hour strike next week.

The industrial action will be the longest in a three-year campaign by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) against an ‘unworkable’ pension scheme.

The move comes after the government confirmed it would implement a new scheme without further negotiations.

The strike will take place from 9am on Thursday, June 12. A shorter strike is planned for Saturday, June 21, from 10am to 5pm.

It has also been announced that between the two strikes, firefighters will not carry out any voluntary overtime or conduct training of strikebreakers.

Under the government’s proposals, firefighters who are forced to retire before the age of 60 on health grounds will have half of their pension taken away. Steve Harman, the Lancashire secretary of the FBU, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the government is still not seeing sense on this. They need to make amendments to the proposed scheme.

“We believe that it will fail and that younger members could be priced out of it.

“I don’t know how the government thinks that every firefighter will still be able to operate on the front line at the age of 60.

“I would encourage the public to be concerned about this and I’m sure that most will support the firefighters.

“Our members are extremely angry about this and they will keep fighting. They will not approve the government’s proposal which they deem to be unfair.”

The decision to strike was made at a meeting of the FBU’s executive council on Wednesday. On Tuesday, union officials met the Fire Minister Brandon Lewis to discuss the pension scheme.

The FBU has said that increasing numbers of members are considering leaving the pension scheme as a result of its ‘decreasing affordability’.

Firefighters in East Lancashire last striked on January 3, which followed a strike on New Year’s Eve and on November 1.

Comments (17)

If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.

If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.Wayne C

This country has plenty of money for the things the government sees as priorities. The government is currently spending taxpayers' money in the courts fighting EU proposals to limit bankers' bonuses. But there is no money to reward firefighters properly.

If a fire breaks out in the middle of the night, who are you going to call? A Banker or a firefighter? That the government can find the money to defend the interests of the bankers, but not the pay of the firefighters tells you all you need to know about this government.

This country has plenty of money for the things the government sees as priorities. The government is currently spending taxpayers' money in the courts fighting EU proposals to limit bankers' bonuses. But there is no money to reward firefighters properly.
If a fire breaks out in the middle of the night, who are you going to call? A Banker or a firefighter? That the government can find the money to defend the interests of the bankers, but not the pay of the firefighters tells you all you need to know about this government.Excluded again

The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)2 for 5p ridesagain

For a moment, put aside the pros and cons of their reasons for striking and consider only that the act of striking in the 21st Century is not the way to make ANY Government swerve. In other words, they will never succeed in terms of outcomes . . . . yes, they might display their grievances to the greater public, but, beyond that, they are simply wasting their time.

For a moment, put aside the pros and cons of their reasons for striking and consider only that the act of striking in the 21st Century is not the way to make ANY Government swerve. In other words, they will never succeed in terms of outcomes . . . . yes, they might display their grievances to the greater public, but, beyond that, they are simply wasting their time.burner

Why should anyone not just fire people work all their lives them have their pensions cut? They should have stayed at home and be on hand outs. I bet the stay at home people who have never done a days work have their pension cut.

Why should anyone not just fire people work all their lives them have their pensions cut? They should have stayed at home and be on hand outs. I bet the stay at home people who have never done a days work have their pension cut.Black Car Guy.

The Firemen (and Women) do an absolutely fabulous job .
I am 100% with them .

I have already said about the time when my wife (pregnant) and I were
trapped in a burning Hotel in Manchester on the third floor . A turntable
was brought in and a fireman smashed the window and carried my wife
to safety - I followed him down (fresh underwear required !) .

He risked his life to save someone from a certain , horrible , screaming
death , and an unborn child .

Its not a job , it's a vocation .

I have a mate who is now retired . He rose to be a Station Officer in Liverpool . He never stops looking at potential fire hazards .

I had a problem last week .
Darwen Fire Brigade helped me .
No my cat wasn't stuck up a tree - no I wasn't locked out .

Three big lads reacted instantly .

Thank you so much , this could have been so bad .

The Fire Brigade are on constant "Red Alert" , never knowing
what they are going to find , always walking into danger .

Saving lives , saving property .

Fire is cruel . It kills and maims . It doesn't care .

I apologise for going on .

But do two things - all of you .

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS - DO IT NOW .

And support your Fire Brigade .

The Firemen (and Women) do an absolutely fabulous job .
I am 100% with them .
I have already said about the time when my wife (pregnant) and I were
trapped in a burning Hotel in Manchester on the third floor . A turntable
was brought in and a fireman smashed the window and carried my wife
to safety - I followed him down (fresh underwear required !) .
He risked his life to save someone from a certain , horrible , screaming
death , and an unborn child .
Its not a job , it's a vocation .
I have a mate who is now retired . He rose to be a Station Officer in Liverpool . He never stops looking at potential fire hazards .
I had a problem last week .
Darwen Fire Brigade helped me .
No my cat wasn't stuck up a tree - no I wasn't locked out .
Three big lads reacted instantly .
Thank you so much , this could have been so bad .
The Fire Brigade are on constant "Red Alert" , never knowing
what they are going to find , always walking into danger .
Saving lives , saving property .
Fire is cruel . It kills and maims . It doesn't care .
I apologise for going on .
But do two things - all of you .
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS - DO IT NOW .
And support your Fire Brigade .fireonthemountain

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?

A pass mark on an entrance exam

[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?
A pass mark on an entrance examSogden

The people who have made these decisions regarding fire-fighters conditions etc are Civil Servants, operating, maybe, under the direction of the incumbant Government. They would LOVE to massively improve pay and conditions but . . . . . . . there is just NO MORE MONEY in that wallet. . . . . and that is the sad fact. Fire-fighters are not the only workers suffering ( I know, some aren't, but most are ). The coffers are sparse. A change of Government won't alter that fact, either.

f.o.t.m. , a great post, spoken from your heart.
The people who have made these decisions regarding fire-fighters conditions etc are Civil Servants, operating, maybe, under the direction of the incumbant Government. They would LOVE to massively improve pay and conditions but . . . . . . . there is just NO MORE MONEY in that wallet. . . . . and that is the sad fact. Fire-fighters are not the only workers suffering ( I know, some aren't, but most are ). The coffers are sparse. A change of Government won't alter that fact, either.burner

Wayne C wrote:
If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.

The problem is WAYNE that when firefighters signed up they were agreeing to certain terms and conditions of employment and pensions. The pensions were sold to.them with specific criteria attached to them etc etc. The government have now moved the goal posts and literally shafted them as they have to the police. Don't you think they have the right to be angry and want to do something about it?
Is it reasonable to expect fire fighters to be still on the front line at 60 years old? Would you want to be rescued from a burning house by a 60 year old firefighter?

And your comment about them simply walking off and finding another job is frankly out of order. Why should they? Why should they give up a profession that they are highly trained in, experienced at and love doing because of a government that doesn't know their @rse from their elbow.

And no I'm not a fire fighter or a copper, I just think they do a great job and deserve at least what they were told they were going to get when they signed up.

[quote][p][bold]Wayne C[/bold] wrote:
If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.[/p][/quote]The problem is WAYNE that when firefighters signed up they were agreeing to certain terms and conditions of employment and pensions. The pensions were sold to.them with specific criteria attached to them etc etc. The government have now moved the goal posts and literally shafted them as they have to the police. Don't you think they have the right to be angry and want to do something about it?
Is it reasonable to expect fire fighters to be still on the front line at 60 years old? Would you want to be rescued from a burning house by a 60 year old firefighter?
And your comment about them simply walking off and finding another job is frankly out of order. Why should they? Why should they give up a profession that they are highly trained in, experienced at and love doing because of a government that doesn't know their @rse from their elbow.
And no I'm not a fire fighter or a copper, I just think they do a great job and deserve at least what they were told they were going to get when they signed up.Steven Seagull

Wayne C wrote:
If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.

The problem is WAYNE that when firefighters signed up they were agreeing to certain terms and conditions of employment and pensions. The pensions were sold to.them with specific criteria attached to them etc etc. The government have now moved the goal posts and literally shafted them as they have to the police. Don't you think they have the right to be angry and want to do something about it?
Is it reasonable to expect fire fighters to be still on the front line at 60 years old? Would you want to be rescued from a burning house by a 60 year old firefighter?

And your comment about them simply walking off and finding another job is frankly out of order. Why should they? Why should they give up a profession that they are highly trained in, experienced at and love doing because of a government that doesn't know their @rse from their elbow.

And no I'm not a fire fighter or a copper, I just think they do a great job and deserve at least what they were told they were going to get when they signed up.

Amen brother

[quote][p][bold]Steven Seagull[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Wayne C[/bold] wrote:
If the fireman (or women if there are any ?) are not happy with the terms and conditions of their employment then they are perfectly at liberty to go looking for other work in the public and private sectors. Good luck if they think they will find employment as flexible as they have now where they can have several other occupations on the side and have such an excellent retirement package as they currently enjoy. They have to understand that this country no longer pays it's way in the world (borrowing 100 billion pounds a year just to keep afloat) and having such gold-plated employment packages are no longer sustainable.[/p][/quote]The problem is WAYNE that when firefighters signed up they were agreeing to certain terms and conditions of employment and pensions. The pensions were sold to.them with specific criteria attached to them etc etc. The government have now moved the goal posts and literally shafted them as they have to the police. Don't you think they have the right to be angry and want to do something about it?
Is it reasonable to expect fire fighters to be still on the front line at 60 years old? Would you want to be rescued from a burning house by a 60 year old firefighter?
And your comment about them simply walking off and finding another job is frankly out of order. Why should they? Why should they give up a profession that they are highly trained in, experienced at and love doing because of a government that doesn't know their @rse from their elbow.
And no I'm not a fire fighter or a copper, I just think they do a great job and deserve at least what they were told they were going to get when they signed up.[/p][/quote]Amen brotherSogden

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What a massive cnut you are. I can't wait for the day your house burns down with you in it. (that's you in it, not you....innit)

[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What a massive cnut you are. I can't wait for the day your house burns down with you in it. (that's you in it, not you....innit)Steven Seagull

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?

A pass mark on an entrance exam

What's the difference? One is a total sock cucker and the other one is a fireman.

[quote][p][bold]Sogden[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?
A pass mark on an entrance exam[/p][/quote]What's the difference? One is a total sock cucker and the other one is a fireman.Steven Seagull

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?

A pass mark on an entrance exam

What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ?
The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)

[quote][p][bold]Sogden[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better.
A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman?
A pass mark on an entrance exam[/p][/quote]What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ?
The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)2 for 5p ridesagain

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam

What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)

2 for 5p rides again -

I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .

Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .

They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .

Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .

I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .

Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?

Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .

Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....

It ends "Let everyone go home" .

I say again , and I will never stop saying it .

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .

[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sogden[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam[/p][/quote]What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)[/p][/quote]2 for 5p rides again -
I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .
Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .
They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .
Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .
I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .
Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?
Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .
Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....
It ends "Let everyone go home" .
I say again , and I will never stop saying it .
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .fireonthemountain

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam

What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)

2 for 5p rides again -

I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .

Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .

They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .

Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .

I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .

Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?

Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .

Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....

It ends &quot;Let everyone go home" .

I say again , and I will never stop saying it .

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .

This weasel doesn't care what you have to say unfortunately. He's just interested in spouting bile that will wind people up the most.

He is quite literally a curthless wunt.

Those words will stick in his throat when his cave catches fire and he's trapped inside.
I've got the bunting out ready for just an event!

[quote][p][bold]fireonthemountain[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sogden[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam[/p][/quote]What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)[/p][/quote]2 for 5p rides again -
I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .
Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .
They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .
Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .
I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .
Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?
Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .
Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....
It ends "Let everyone go home" .
I say again , and I will never stop saying it .
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .[/p][/quote]This weasel doesn't care what you have to say unfortunately. He's just interested in spouting bile that will wind people up the most.
He is quite literally a curthless wunt.
Those words will stick in his throat when his cave catches fire and he's trapped inside.
I've got the bunting out ready for just an event!Steven Seagull

2 for 5p ridesagain wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)

What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam

What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)

2 for 5p rides again -

I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .

Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .

They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .

Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .

I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .

Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?

Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .

Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....

It ends &quot;Let everyone go home" .

I say again , and I will never stop saying it .

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .

This weasel doesn't care what you have to say unfortunately. He's just interested in spouting bile that will wind people up the most.

He is quite literally a curthless wunt.

Those words will stick in his throat when his cave catches fire and he's trapped inside.
I've got the bunting out ready for just an event!

Well said Steven, 2 for 5p is a disgrace to humanity.

If his house does go up, is it ok if I join the party?

[quote][p][bold]Steven Seagull[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]fireonthemountain[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Sogden[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]2 for 5p ridesagain[/bold] wrote: The sooner this shower of bobbins are made to go part time the better. A great salary ,good pension, all for playing snooker and darts 99.95% of the time and they strike. Unbelievable. :-)[/p][/quote]What's the difference between 2 for 5p and a fireman? A pass mark on an entrance exam[/p][/quote]What's the difference between the long term unemployed and a fireman ? The fireman costs us tax payers much more money. :-)[/p][/quote]2 for 5p rides again -
I always read your posts with interest , and sometimes I even agree
with what you say . On this occasion I do not .
Let us look at the SACU . Do you know what that stands for ?
Of course you don't .
They do a fantastic job , unpaid . Reliant upon charitable donations .
Providing help , rest and food for fire personnel at major fires .
Yes , I have made donations , including offering one of my vehicles
as a command support car .
I have a letter of gratitude from the Chief FIre Officer of Lancashire .
Via Jake Berry .
Would you rush into a burning building ?
Risk your life to save someone you don't even know ?
Look at the wives and families of fire personnel .
Always living in fear .
Look at the prayer of New York Fire Department ....
It ends "Let everyone go home" .
I say again , and I will never stop saying it .
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS NOW .[/p][/quote]This weasel doesn't care what you have to say unfortunately. He's just interested in spouting bile that will wind people up the most.
He is quite literally a curthless wunt.
Those words will stick in his throat when his cave catches fire and he's trapped inside.
I've got the bunting out ready for just an event![/p][/quote]Well said Steven, 2 for 5p is a disgrace to humanity.
If his house does go up, is it ok if I join the party?Good call